The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance

by Jemar Tisby

Overview

If you did a historical survey of racism in the United States, the overarching theme would be one of compromise and complicity. These uncomfortable realities of the past have been too often minimized or outright denied, and they must be shared in order to have a full accounting of the truth.

But there's more to the story of Christianity than merely the failure of its adherents to confront racism.

Just as there were those who created and perpetuated racist ideas and actions, there were those who resisted them. The Spirit of Justice reveals the stories of the people who fought against racism and agitated for justice—all in the name of their faith. Through a historical survey of the nation from its founding to the present day, this book gives real-world examples of people who opposed racism, how they did it, what it cost, and what they gained for themselves and others.

The Spirit of Justice is a book about the eternal wellspring of hope that helps a people break the bonds of oppression and inspires a legacy of liberation. It is a book about how we, too, can unleash the spirit of justice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310144854
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	09/03/2024
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	232,292
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.38(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jemar Tisby (BA, University of Notre Dame; MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) s the New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise and the award-winning How to Fight Racism. He is a historian who studies race, religion, and social movements, and serves as a professor at Simmons College of Kentucky, a historically Black college. He is also the founder of The Witness, Inc. an organization dedicated to Black uplift from a Christian perspective. He has written for national news outlets such as The Atlantic, the Washington Post, and the Religion News Service. He has offered television commentary on CNN and is frequently called upon to provide expert insight on current events related to race and Christianity. He has spoken nationwide at colleges, universities, and other organizations.

Editorial Reviews

'The Spirit of Justice taught me how important it is to continue the work that so many before have done—to keep advocating for us! As a woman who is a part of the movement, this book's key points show me how I can continue my work to pursue justice. Readers will learn why it is important to make sure our voices are being heard. In The Spirit of Justice, you will learn about the strength of many everyday women pursuing justice and the courage it took to push their work to the forefront. Women must continue to show up even though our work is always so underplayed. I took pride in learning about the women before me and learning how the points and concerns I have are not mine alone!'

Tamika Palmer

'If you've been asking what keeps one's soul going in the face of White Supremacy that threatens the very existence of those who have been marginalized and discriminated against, while navigating a world that seems apathetic toward the struggles and sufferings of others, then I believe Dr. Jemar Tisby has an answer in this timely work—it's the strength of God and the Spirit of Justice. His words carry the spirit of those who fought injustice with nonviolence and resistance, revealing the enduring power of faith in overcoming centuries of systemic oppression. Dr. Tisby's work offers hope and a call to action for all who seek to embody that same Spirit of Justice to keep the work of justice alive.'

Dr. Terence? Lester

'The history of our country can provide us with countless reminders of how oppression, injustice, and racism tried to break us. In The Spirit of Justice, Jemar Tisby reminds us of a people who could not be broken. Reading this book strengthened me in my advocacy for racial justice and encouraged me in my identity as a Black Christian woman who will not break in the face of injustice—fueled by the power of the Spirit and the resilience of those who came before me.'

Danielle Coke Balfour

'When one considers the centuries-long list of unspeakable atrocities endured by Black Americans, the question of 'how' a people were bent but not broken defies explanation. But, in? The Spirit of Justice, Dr. Jemar Tisby offers the historical record as proof that their strength was drawn from the supernatural well of faith in an unfailing God. This book is eye-opening, heart warming, and hope igniting.'

Nona Jones

'A bold, incisive, and compelling account of how Black antiracist leaders of the past drew on their Christian faith to challenge inequality and injustice. The Spirit of Justice is necessary reading for anyone determined to build a better world.'

Keisha N. Blain

'In The Spirit of Justice, Dr. Tisby navigates through US history, spotlighting the unwavering spirit of justice. Focused on Black Christian resistance to racism, this book showcases diverse individuals who, despite imperfections, championed racial justice. Tisby's work emphasizes that embracing the spirit of justice is about progress, not perfection, urging each generation to continue the fight for positive change. This book is not just a historical survey; it is a call to action. In a world prone to historical appropriation, The Spirit of Justice serves as a poignant reminder to honor and learn from the past without distorting its truths.'

author of the New York Times bestselling Be the Br Latasha Morrison